Residents press council on transit, pedestrian safety and Ward's Plaza finances during public comment

Public speakers used the comment period to press the council on transportation and pedestrian safety and to criticize the Economic Development Authority's handling of the Ward's Plaza project.

Arthur Christian said he sometimes waits "up to 3 hours for a bus" and urged the city to "rethink the bus transit system." Steven Policastro, who identified himself as a resident, noted October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, thanked the council for including a "yield to pedestrian" campaign in the strategic plan and cited city data he said shows about 650 households (approximately 30%) do not have a car. "Speed is the single biggest factor in reducing pedestrian fatalities," Policastro said, urging council to consider budget items that improve mobility for non-drivers. Paula Kelsey described practical tips for using the city's WinReady bus app to schedule trips.

Ward 3's Jeff Milburn read a comment (from J.P. Carr) criticizing EDA actions around Ward's Plaza, warning the EDA's financial exposure could saddle the city and citing specific figures for land lending, development bonds and garage bonds. He said those numbers could total tens of millions in potential liabilities and urged more caution in oversight of the project.